[Day 5, Mid-Morning] Take me to your leader!

[Sanjaya]

There is a brief but almost ominous hush that falls over the room as every eye turns on the Captain of the Half Moon and he can feel the weight of a falling nation land squarely on his shoulders for a brief moment. The two head advisers take a step forward before the Maharaja waves a hand to stop them and moves off of his chair, sliding his feet to the ground that was just too far away for it to be elegant.

"They confirm many things. So now I wonder if Rokugan is here again to assist the Ivory Kingdoms in a time of need, or not."

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

"Would you prefer a fool, a braggart or a cautious man?" he counters calmly.

[Sanjaya]

The sense of annoyance and frustration within the room continues to build as the Maharaja and the Captain speak to one another. Several of the advisers and other guests whisper to each other. The guards are watching the Rokugani with a closer eye.

The Maharaja narrows his eyes. "I would prefer a cautious man who knows his place. Unfortunately that is not what I see before me at the moment. Perhaps you should take some time to discuss matters with your advisers." The boy king turns and scoots himself back into the throne.

[Akodo Jishaku]

The tension is palpable but Jishaku keeps his On intact, returning the gazes of the couriters and guards with a calm coolness. Is this all part of the game then? Pride will be your downfall gaijin.

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

His smile fades for the first time. The Yoritomo bows respectfully without a hint of mockery in his voice or posture. He even lowers his eyes, "As the King of King's wishes, will a private room be provided or shall we adjourn and meet again at a later time?"

... mostly to hide their glint. Perhaps he was insane. It would explain a lot of things.

[Sanjaya]

A whisper of laughter flutters about the room for a moment before quickly dying. The Maharaja looks between his advisers, who each whisper to him. "If there is no other pressing business, you and your advisers may leave, Uminushi. Before you go though, we would like to keep contact with your fleet, Captain. And as such we are delivering an envoy to go with you and he will serve as a messenger between our people, so you will know when we wish to see you again."

From within the crowd of advisers, a familiar man steps out, dressed in exquisite finery. He looks at each man and then offers the group a namaste. Jayant looks rather sullen and serious, in contrast to Uminushi.

[Toritaka Punchiru]

Punchiru glides forward to examine the envoy, and mutters in passing.

"Capitan," Punchiru whispers quietly, "Is this the course we wish to take? If we are to build relations or ask for a boon, now is the appropriate time..."

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

Uminushi glances at Jayant, murmuring politely with a certain lack of enthusiasm, "The Maharaja is most though-"

Until he was interrupted by the whispering Toritaka. If there was anyone in the Court who could read minds, their heads would ring with the resounding internal face palm the Mantis did with the Crab's words. He doesn't quite glare at Punchiru as he finishes evenly, "Thoughtful. I am sure he will be most helpful and circumspect."

The last three words were obviously meant for Jayant... and at least one other member of his own entourage.

[Agasha Qian-Fan]

/slight time warp due to my RL absence

Qian-Fan's eyes had only left the old man who had cast the incantation to make his introduction.

"I am Agasha Qian-Fan, priest of the kami and spiritual advisor to Yoritomo-sama."

He then returned to his silent vigil of the gaijin spell caster.

[Sanjaya]

The Maharaja smiles some. "I am glad you believe so, Captain Uminushi. I have every faith in the abilities of my subordinates." There was a subtle emphasis on those words.

"If you or any of your party wish to visit the palace while they are here, they are welcome to it. We may need some time to tidy up though. It has been some time since we entertained foreign guests."

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

There was a minute twist to his expression before his lips turned down in a frown. Still, he bows once more, properly this time, "The Maharaja is also generous. I am sure our arrival was unexpected, with your permission...?"

[Rixy]

/slight time warp due to my RL absence

Qian-Fan's eyes had only left the old man who had cast the incantation to make his introduction.

"I am Agasha Qian-Fan, priest of the kami and spiritual advisor to Yoritomo-sama."

He then returned to his silent vigil of the gaijin spell caster.

The old man, in turn, simply looked back and gave a minuscule inclination of his head, as if in acknowledgement of an equal...or a rival.

[Akodo Jishaku]

Jishaku found himself wondering if the Crab had just earned himself a permanent position on the latrine-cleaning crew. Yet no sign of that crossed his face as he followed his Captain's lead in bowing respectfully to the maharaja. He kept his silence, and would continue to do so unless specifically directed to speak.

[Sanjaya]

The Maharaja nodded. "Of course, Captain. I pray you have the opportunity to see my city for yourself while you are here." The city was in the midst of a disaster, filled with people who were all scared. It was pretty clear what he wanted Uminushi to see.

The court continued to watch the Rokugani, some whispering to each other as secretly as they could.

[Bayushi Nobuyoshi]

Nobuyoshi wasn't particularly interesting to watch. Well, other than the whole masked villain thing. He simply keeps his eyes open and watching the reactions of various members of the court while keeping his thoughts on something else entirely.

One hundred bottles of sake on the wall, one hundred bottles of sake....

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

With another bow, the Mantis lead his people away. He kept himself from smiling by sheer force of will.

/exit

[Agasha Qian-Fan]

Qian-Fan copied the bow and with one last look at the gaijin brahmin, backed off and followed his Captain with a swish of silk.

/exit

[Sanjaya]

As the Rokugani file out of the throne room, they see a somewhat out of breath native who is standing with two guards. His clothing is slightly disheveled by what looks like heavy winds and there are traces of dust on his clothing. Once the Rokugani have all left the room, the guards and the man quickly enter and the doors shut firmly behind them.

Outside the court, the Rokugani feel a presence depart from them, as though something were leaving them and idle chatter of any they passed returned to being incomprehensible.